Left opposition wins over austerity disappointment with Merkel

Mar 2009
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The left opposition won in a crushing defeat for conservatives in North Rhine-Westphalia, a large German state. The election leaves Merkel in a weakened position despite continued popularity for continuing German economic strength.

It will be interesting when it comes to her reelection. That election will have a big effect on what could happen with the EU.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/13/us-germany-election-nrw-idUSBRE84C0BD20120513
This had to happen. Austerity seems harsh when the opposition says you don't need it. Sure people want more for less. Chicken in every pot and money in every pocket sounds much better than we need to pay our bills. Then money being spent on other EU countries, I would be mad too. I am not happy with 80% or so of our foreign aid around the world.
 
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Jul 2009
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Port St. Lucie
This had to happen. Austerity seems harsh when the opposition says you don't need it. Sure people want more for less. Chicken in every pot and money in every pocket sounds much better than we need to pay our bills. Then money being spent on other EU countries, I would be mad too. I am not happy with 80% or so of our foreign aid around the world.

Aid is irreverent. imagine a poor person buying a $1 bag of M&Ms every week, they're no better or worse off regardless. Most of our money in in the military, education and welfare. If you cut everything but those 3 things we'd still be in debt. If you cut part (a large part) of those 3 things you could actually increase spending in other areas and still be in the black.
 
Mar 2009
2,751
6
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Aid is irreverent. imagine a poor person buying a $1 bag of M&Ms every week, they're no better or worse off regardless. Most of our money in in the military, education and welfare. If you cut everything but those 3 things we'd still be in debt. If you cut part (a large part) of those 3 things you could actually increase spending in other areas and still be in the black.
Really makes no difference since that is not going to happen with the crew running the show here now.

And I doubt Germany has the will to do a big austerity plan . It is just easier to vote for the anti-austerity gang.;)
 

myp

Jan 2009
5,841
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This had to happen. Austerity seems harsh when the opposition says you don't need it. Sure people want more for less. Chicken in every pot and money in every pocket sounds much better than we need to pay our bills. Then money being spent on other EU countries, I would be mad too. I am not happy with 80% or so of our foreign aid around the world.

I think you are misunderstanding what is happening here. Merkel has been for strong austerity measures, not the opposite. There is an argument that austerity is not always good- it might be partially evidenced by the fact that the PIIGS nations are not doing much better with it.
 
Mar 2009
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I think you are misunderstanding what is happening here. Merkel has been for strong austerity measures, not the opposite. There is an argument that austerity is not always good- it might be partially evidenced by the fact that the PIIGS nations are not doing much better with it.
I know Merkel has been pushing for strong austerity measures! I also know France just fired her pushing buddy! I think you may think I am dumber than I really am.
 

myp

Jan 2009
5,841
50
I know Merkel has been pushing for strong austerity measures! I also know France just fired her pushing buddy! I think you may think I am dumber than I really am.

No your post was just confusing to me. Germany is in a different situation here than what we have when we give countries aid. The failure of success of these countries has major consequences for the Euro, which is of course Germany's currency too.
 
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